Regional Advisor

Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. It does this by providing sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.  

Background Information – Global Portfolios Office (GPO)

UNOPS GPO is a specialized unit that provides strategic oversight, operational guidance, and portfolio management for UNOPS' global projects. GPO works across the globe and comprises: 

• The New York Portfolios Office, including the Sustainable Development cluster and the Peace and Security cluster;
• The Geneva Office, including hosted engagements, the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) team based in Vienna, and other global programmes.

By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and networks of our Geneva and New York offices, and of the WEC team, GPO amplifies UNOPS impact in support of its strategic priorities and SDGs on a global scale. 

The GPO works closely with major global partners and benefits from close links with the Geneva liaison Office and the New York Board and External Relations Office.

The Regional Advisor serves as a critical strategic partner and advisor to the GPO Director, aligning organizational objectives with operational excellence and communication strategies. This role is pivotal in driving cross-functional collaboration, enhancing internal processes, and ensuring clear, consistent communication with key stakeholders, both internal and external. The incumbent will act as a key member of the regional office, overseeing several day-to-day operations, while also serving as GPO’s primary Public Relations Officer, responsible for managing strategic initiatives and communication strategies.

Key activities include:

1. Strategic Planning & Leadership Support

• Advise the GPO Director on strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with leadership to define long-term goals, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and external messaging.
• Facilitate decision-making through information synthesis and internal communications.
• Lead cross-departmental projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

• Develop internal communication strategies to enhance employee engagement.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to ensure organizational alignment.
• Develop a repository of internal GPO communication and visibility products

• Develop and execute communications strategies that align with GPO’s goals and enhance its visibility.
• Ensure participation and visibility of GPO at key events.
• Cultivate partnerships with key stakeholders, including media, UN agencies, funding partners, and industry influencers.
• Monitor and manage brand reputation in coordination with the Communications team in HQ.

• Craft consistent messaging for internal and external audiences.
• Oversee the creation of speeches, reports, and communication materials.

• Measure the impact of visibility campaigns, employee engagement, and regional performance.
• Provide regular updates to leadership and adjust strategies based on data insights.

• External Communications/Brand Management: Oversee the development and execution of communication strategies that enhance the GPO’s brand and public perception across global markets. Manage media relations, press releases, public statements, events, and other communication as needed.
• Internal Communications: Develop and implement comprehensive internal communication strategies to foster engagement, alignment and transparency across GPO teams, and with HQ Units.
• Executive Communications: Draft speeches, presentations, and  correspondence for the GPO Director, and other senior GPO leaders as needed.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including UN Partners, government agencies, media outlets, and other relevant industry partners.

• Operational Excellence: Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies that align with the GPO’s objectives, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.
• Business Planning: Collaborate with the GPO Director and senior leadership to define and implement short- and long-term strategic initiatives, driving organizational growth and efficiency.
• Performance Management: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and organizational metrics, ensuring targets are met and progress reports are shared with the leadership team.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and drive strategic projects to completion.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

• Leadership Support: Act as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the GPO Director, providing high-level operational and administrative support.
• Project Management: Lead and manage special projects and initiatives on behalf of the GPO Director, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goals.
• Meeting Management: Organize and facilitate leadership meetings, ensuring agendas are aligned with strategic priorities and follow-up actions are executed.
• Resource Management: Oversee the allocation, use and effective management of resources including human, financial and technological resources.

The Regional Advisor will play a transformative role in driving organizational excellence and amplifying the impact of the Global Portfolios Office (GPO) across global markets. By enhancing operational efficiency, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and aligning strategic initiatives with organizational goals, this role will ensure that GPO operates as a cohesive, high-performing entity. Additionally, through proactive and transparent communication, the incumbent will strengthen UNOPS’ reputation, build stakeholder trust, and position the organization as a leader in sustainable development and project implementation. Ultimately, this role will contribute to the long-term success, visibility, and influence of UNOPS in advancing global development objectives.

• An advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) preferably in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field with seven (7) of relevant experience is required. 
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field with nine (9) years of relevant experience is desirable.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in communications, marketing, brand management, strategic operations, or related functions.

• A proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving impact is highly desired.
• Demonstrated experience in managing people is a strong asset.  
• Prior experience working in international organizations, particularly within the UN system, is an advantage.
• Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset.
• Knowledge of Google Suite applications is desired.

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN languages is an asset.

1. Contract type: Fixed-term 
2. Contract level: P4
3. Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.